Gwozdecky To Team At Second Intermission: "Win This One For Doctor Rice!!"

It's the University of Maine Black Bears (noted non-hockey alum: Stephen King) vs. The University of Denver Pioneers (noted non-hockey alum: Condoleezza Rice) for the 2004 NCAA Division I Ice Hockey championship Saturday night. A few random Frozen Four notes:

- UMD stud Evan Schwabe is the nephew of University of North Dakota folk hero Jim Archibald. (540 penalty minutes in 159 games.)

- When DU won, I said something to myself about them "being guided by the ghost of Murray Armstrong." Then during tonight's second semifinal, the announcers said Armstrong is still alive and well at age 88. But no matter where Armstrong is, John Mariucci is probably still to chicken to play his teams.

- Which D.C.-area sports bar did Condi rush to after her testimony to tailgate and catch today's early game (start time noon eastern) between her Denver Pioneers and the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs?

- Isn't it oh-so-nice when Boston College loses? It's almost as fun as eating meat on Good Friday!

- Saturday's championship will be my 18th consecutive viewed and my 23rd out of the past 26. If you ever want to hear the results of all of these title tilts, simply buy or bet me a beer.